Women in Entertainment Power 100

Never Miss A Story.

Daily Edition

'Ugly Betty' heads to New York

Producers look to capitalize on production tax credits

ABC's "Ugly Betty" is expected to relocate to New York this coming season.

The dramedy, starring America Ferrera, is set in the Big Apple but had been filming in Los Angeles for its first two seasons.

Key in producer ABC Studios' decision to make the move is New York state's recent decision to triple its tax credit for film and TV productions to 30%, with New York City offering an additional 5% credit.

This will be "Betty's" second cross-country move. The pilot was filmed in New York, but production was shifted to the West Coast after a Big Apple shoot was deemed too expensive.

Because of the relocation, about 150 crew members on "Betty" will lose their jobs, though most are expected to be reassigned to other ABC Studios shows based in Los Angeles. The relocation of the cast is not expected to be a problem as the majority of the actors came from New York.

The "Betty" writers are expected to remain on the West Coast.

ABC Studios has two months to make the transition, as production on "Betty's" third season is slated to begin in July.